A Positive Approach to Crate Training Your Dog

     Some owners believe crating a canine is cruel. They feel that confining a pet to a closed area is akin to locking someone in a garage. Many professional trainers, however, feel that crating offers a host of benefits for both the dog and his owner. For example, they suggest it can be a valuable tool for housetraining a puppy since dogs learn early in their lives to avoid soiling their "dens." They also suggest a crate provides a canine with a place of his own to which he can retreat at his convenience.

In this article, we'll explain how to crate train your dog so he begins to look forward to spending time in his crate. The approach you take is critical. Many owners unwittingly cause their pets to develop a strong aversion to their crates. We'll show you how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Building Your Pet's Level Of Comfort

At first, your pet may show hesitance in entering his crate. It is new to him, and thus he will be uncertain about what to expect. The key is making him feel as comfortable as possible. First, place a few blankets on the inside to provide him a place to lie down. Also, place a few of his toys just inside the door.

Second, position the crate in the middle of a room that receives plenty of foot traffic from you and your family. This will prevent your canine from associating it with being isolated from the people he loves. Leave the door open to allow him to enter and exit at will.

Third, use positive reinforcement as a constant tool to encourage your pet to enter his crate. When he does so, praise him and give him a treat. This will help him build a positive connection with his personal den, giving him a steadily growing level of comfort with it.

You may need to gently coax your dog by placing his food bowl near the entrance. Move his bowl closer and closer with each meal until it is positioned inside the crate.

Start With Short Periods Of Confinement

As mentioned, during the beginning stages, keep the door open so your canine will have the freedom to enter and leave at will. Once he is comfortable spending time inside, close the door for short periods. Start with two or three minutes to acclimate him to the feeling of being confined within. Stay nearby.

As your dog becomes comfortable with being confined in his crate, extend the periods he is kept inside. Make sure he can easily see you. If he remains calm, leave the room for several seconds before returning. This will slowly build his comfort and tolerance with being confined by himself.

Notice this approach is a slow, methodical one. Every canine is different; some will become immediately comfortable with their crates while others will need more time. Be patient with your dog, and let him gain a level of comfort at his own pace.

Mistakes To Avoid When Crating Your Canine

Earlier, we mentioned that owners often make mistakes when crate training their dogs, and as a result, create aversions in their pets that are difficult to break. In many cases, dogs that show a clear distaste for their crates have had poor experiences with them in the past.

First, never force your canine to enter his personal den. Second, never use it as a place to confine him when he has done something you dislike. He will begin to associate it with punishment. Third, avoid leaving your canine confined for long periods. If he is forced to urinate or defecate in his crate, he will likely develop an aversion to it. Fourth, make sure you purchase a crate that provides your dog with sufficient room to move around. If it is too small, he will become increasingly uncomfortable.

Crate training offers benefits to owners and their pets. Be willing to take a slow approach that emphasizes positive reinforcement while accommodating your canine's level of comfort.